Shakespeare for the Common Core (Recommended K-8th grade)
We meet the Bard as he is working on his plays “Romeo and Juliet”, “Julius Caesar”, and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is the central play of this production. It is a timeless story about two young teens who find love despite the prejudice and hatred of their families. Shakespeare’s words come alive with imagination, swordplay, and romance. Through this production, we hope to introduce the students to more of Shakespeare’s works while encouraging them to overcome prejudices in their own lives.

I offer 5 lecture topics: Average 2 hours
1. The war in Iraq & prospects for war with Iran
2. The history of Islam and the Middle-East
3. Jewish life in Arab Countries
4. Current (International) Affairs
5. Cosmology: The Big Bang, Black holes and UFO's
Much information, data and photos are found on my website:
www.saulsilasfathi.com

Writing/Art in the classroom. For a more intimate hands-on setting, teachers often combine classes(one or two depending on size) to focus on the writing/illustrating aspects of creating a childrens' book, whether it is a novel or picture book. Materials passed around in this workshop for a personal experience and therefore exposing students up close to what is like to be an author/artist of books. Participation in making a book dummy for each student. I do an age-appropriate reading of my work. I write for all ages: Fiction, young stories, poetry, non-fiction, cookbooks,chapter books and novels.

A Fire in My Heart: Kurdish Folktales: Based around Diane's new book of Kurdish folktales, this program introduces students and families to this pivotal Middle Eastern culture. Diane will present Kurdish stories she collected firsthand including The Lie a humorous story about a tall tale contest between an Uncle and his nephew, Fatima, the Kurdish Cinderella story and tales of how the moon and the Milky Way came to be. A map, anecdotes of her collecting experience and traditional dress and dance round out our exploration of this little known culture. Notice in the Salem News-2007
'How fun and exciting to have you visit Pine Point School! And, I have to tell you that I have heard such wonderful comments since the assembly. You inspired questions and comments all over campus and you were a hit with both students and faculty alike. Diane, I am in awe of your courage, and can't thank you enough for sharing your stories with us. With fond regard, Sandy Pereira, Cultural Enrichment, Pine Point School, CT'

Tales of the Supernatural
For adults, not appropriate for ages 11 and under.
Just in time for Halloween, Diane presents an unusual collection of eerie tales and songs. Definitely not for kids, this evening event features a true ghost story Edgecomb collected about the misshapen standing stones of Avebury, England and the eerie force that emanates from them. The performance has a decidedly Celtic slant exploring the Gaelic traditions that influence Halloween including the humorous encounter with the devil that brought about the first Jack O’Lantern

Birth of a Book is a glimpse into what it truly takes to be a writer and what happens behind the scenes in the world of publishing. Using Eric's series KEY HUNTERS and THE CHOCOLATE LAB as springboards, this presentation hits topics relevant to students including where ideas come from, the importance of (and good techniques for) revision, and all of the questions kids might have about being an author. This presentation can be incorporated with my other writing workshop for smaller groups. Age Range: Elementary.

This program traces the history of the Klondike Gold Rush through the music of that era. Funny, romantic, silly and sometimes tragic, these songs and tunes are presented in costume with anecdotes and a lot of history lessons.

Beatles tribute band Mostly Moptop will perform a concert of Beatles music (and a few little surprises), but throughout we would do readings of prose and poetry not only by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, but also by key writers who influenced The Beatles such as Lewis Carroll, George Eliot, Shakespeare, and James Joyce (among several others). This promises to be a wonderful concert / library experience we would like to bring to the entire Public Library System.

Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss are award winning authors and recording artists and would be happy to visit your school in that capacity. They will tell stories, give tips on telling, and answer any questions students have. Their story collections include world tales that have been rewritten so that they are accessible for telling by children. After seeing Mitch and Martha tell stories, students will be excited about telling tales themselves. Storytelling is a fun activity that is highly educational. All the story books have tips for telling which make it possible for teachers to have each student (second grade and up) choose a different tale, learn it, and share it in front of classmates. Those who choose to do so can tell for other classes as well. Some of the tales are simple and short enough that they can then be retold by first graders and even kindergartners. Mitch and Martha's performances will also serve as catalysts for creative writing.

Loosely adapted from the book by Alice McLerran, this interactive performance invites the audience to recreate the place and people of Roxaboxen, where imagination reigns.
Upon request, Roxaboxen can be customized to link with a a library's summer reading theme. 15 children participate onstage and there are numerous opportunities for the audience to contribute throughout.

* Inclusion in this database does not indicate endorsement of any performer
or program by the NYS Education Department, the Office of Cultural Education, the NYS Library or the participating
library systems, nor does it eliminate the need for reference checks and appropriate standard screening procedures.